Currently, I am sitting outside a quite luxurious cafe, pondering over what has happened since I occupied Edward's body three days ago.
I am still concerned about the fragments of memories that are very blurry, or even missing. Memories of how Edward committed suicide, where Edward got the Soul Release Potion.
Trying to trace my memories is a futile effort. No matter how many times I try, the result is always vague memories.
Even trying to trace through a diary proved to be a futile effort. Since Edward was never one to record his daily life, diaries were nowhere to be found in the room.
Amidst my contemplation, a man with white hair and a butler's attire approaches me from afar.
"Young Master, I apologize for disturbing your leisure time. Miss Yolina is currently waiting for you at your dormitory."
The man bows elegantly and politely. Alfred Montague, he is Edward's personal butler and trusted confidant of Edward's mother, I mean, my mother.
Alfred's character certainly exists in the game, but the details never surfaced. Alfred only plays the role of Edward's butler in the game, nothing more.
I open my eyes and glance at Alfred standing beside me.
- - -
[Alfred Montague]
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Age: 53 years old
Affinity: Neutral, Loyal (External Factor)
Affiliation: Zefattin House, Vallois House
Strength: 173
Defense: 107
Stamina: 180
Agility: 156
Mana: 84
General Stats Rating: 140 (Professional Hero)
Traits: Perfect Butler, Shadow Walker, Killing Aura, Sword Master, Martial Arts Expert,...
- - -
The first time I saw Alfred's statistics, exactly three days ago, I was surprised. Crazy statistics like that are enough to make him a Professional Hero or an extraordinarily strong individual.
Placing someone like him by Edward's side, although disappointing, turns out Eilif still loves his wayward son. As expected from a mother's love.
I shift my gaze away from Alfred.
'An old man in a servant's suit with white hair named Alfred, huh?'
I'm reminded of the old butler serving a bat-themed superhero from an old superhero movie.
After contemplating the irrelevant, I stand up and straighten my casual clothes, which are not as flashy as most noble children. Edward's taste has now shifted to mine.
I don't forget to pocket my pocketbook.
Then I glance at my watch showing 4 PM.
"Let's head back to the dormitory."
...
Upon arriving at the dormitory, I take off my long jacket and hang it on the coat rack. I also hand over my belongings to Alfred.
"Going around bullying others again?"
The voice comes from a beautiful woman with long black hair and red eyes sitting leisurely sipping her tea. Her voice is soft but filled with a sarcastic tone.
The woman is Yolina, my older sister who is also in her third year at the Heroes Department.
Ignoring Yolina's sarcastic question, I notice my maid, Mia, who comes after hearing me enter.
"Sweet lemon tea with ice."
I say flatly. Mia bows slightly without a word and heads to the kitchen.
I then sit down next to Yolina.
- - -
[Yolina Kazan Vallois]
Race: Human
Gender: Female
Age: 18 years old
Affinity: Unfamiliar, Family
Affiliation: Heroes Department of Sveitmann Academy, Vollais House, Zefattin House
Strength: 79
Defense: 66
Stamina: 79
Agility: 81
Mana: 104
General Stats Rating: 81.8 (Elite Champion)
Traits: Weapons Expert, Warrior Soul, Magic Close Combat, Vallois Bloodline, Zefattin Bloodline,...
- - -
'As expected from a descendant of House Vallois, her level is already at Elite Champion.'
Yolina frowns slightly as she watches Mia go to the kitchen. Her hand pauses midway as she's about to sip her tea.
"So, what brings you here, sister?" I ask.
Yolina immediately turns to me. She still frowns. She remains silent for quite some time before snapping out of it.
"Just visiting my undisciplined little brother."
She replies with a somewhat offensive sentence.
I fall silent for a moment.
'Undisciplined, huh? A succinct description fitting for Edward.'
During my silent moment, Mia arrives with a tall glass of iced lemon tea on a tray. Mia gracefully kneels and places my iced lemon tea on the coffee table.
"Thank you, Mia. You can go now."
Mia freezes for a moment. Then she stands up, bows, and leaves without a word.
I glance at Yolina to see her reaction. As I expected, she looks quite puzzled.
I begin to sip Mia's lemon iced tea. The sweetness and sourness are balanced.
'Remembering Mia was picked up by Edward from an orphanage when she was young, Mia's cooking is exceptionally delicious now. It seems Edward had luck in choosing his people.'
As I think about trivial matters, Yolina's face has returned to its usual calm. She remains silent, waiting for my response.
Edward would usually get angry and utter rude language with an annoying tone and blame his mother and his family for his misfortunes.
But the old Edward is dead.
"I'm aware of that. I am indeed undisciplined." I reply.
I sigh and criticize Edward in my mind.
How could someone cruelly blame his mother for his misfortune when his mother has tirelessly sought other solutions for her son's bad condition?
Especially a mother who is very supportive, kind, and caring? Of course, there is! Edward is an example. But that's not me, even though I am also Edward.
I feel what it's like to lose a family when I haven't had the chance to make them happy. So, at least, in this world, I will take care of my new family. Especially Eilif and Yolina.
Hearing my response, Yolina stares sharply at me. Her gaze seems to pierce into my soul, as if wondering who is in front of her right now.
"You... You're Edward, right?"
The question hits the mark. I fall silent for a moment. Just as I'm about to answer, Yolina interjects with her question.
"Your attire has become even simpler now. Not only that, the way you address me as 'sister' instead of Yolina, your manner of speaking and treatment towards your maid, what's happened to you?"
Yolina sets down her teacup and gazes at me seriously.
I won't protest why she's acting like this. After all, her little brother used to be a troublemaker who was hard to control.
I also set down the long glass I was holding.
"Of course, I'm Edward, sister."
At my ordinary answer, Yolina remains silent and stares at me intently.
"So? What's with this sudden change in your attitude?" Yolina replies cynically.
"I just realized my mistakes recently."
At my straightforward answer, Yolina stares at me and then averts her gaze. She sighs.
"Then... why don't you visit home and apologize? We're on semester break, right? Or at least contact mother with the Communication Orb."
Apologize, of course. It's mandatory. But I think it's not yet time. Because Edward has just changed and hasn't shown any small evidence of his change.
I bow my head and put on a remorseful face.
"I think maybe... it's not the right time yet. I've just changed. I want to show and prove my consistency first."
Yolina twirls her teacup on the table and glances at me. She remains silent for a moment.
"I just came from home and... they said there's no monthly allowance for you next month."
Yolina says casually.
'Is she testing me or is she speaking the truth?'
Once, Edward's monthly allowance was delayed. He was extremely angry and immediately contacted his mother and scolded her.
'Tch! Ungrateful child!'
If what Yolina says is true, the problem would be quite troublesome as my money for this month is almost gone. However, there are many expensive accessories and decorations in my dorm room now. I can sell them later.
"Is that so? What else can I do? I'll think of a solution later for my living expenses next month." I reply casually.
Yolina slowly turns to look at me, furrowing her eyebrows. Her gaze is sharp as if she doesn't believe what I'm saying.
After a moment, Yolina activates her soundproof magic. I'm somewhat surprised by the sudden activation of magic.
Before I can speak, Yolina firmly asks me.
"You haven't made a contract with a demon, have you?"
I squint my eyes. Then, calmly, I reply.
"Never!"
A Demon Contract. This activity is a form of worship to demons in exchange for something equivalent. Of course, using the soul as collateral.
Their requests can be anything. Some ask for wealth, power, and much more. If what is offered is not equivalent, the demon will take the soul of the contractor, and in certain cases, if the demon likes the contractor's body, the demon will inhabit it.
Incidents like this usually lead to destruction around the contractor. Moreover, demons are enemies to the surface race.
And suspicions directed at me, like what Yolina is doing, are quite reasonable albeit rushed. Considering her brother, who has always been a troublemaker, suddenly changing before her eyes.
Why is it reasonable? Old Edward never reflected anything good from his mouth and actions. So, small changes like this are quite drastic for Yolina, who is his closest person. Perceptions like this toward demonic possession are quite common here.
And why activate soundproof magic? Suspicions thrown by Yolina are suspicions without evidence. And suspicions related to demons tend to be sensitive and damaging to the reputation of the suspected. Not just individuals but also those close to them. So Yolina's actions are for prevention.
Yolina, who is still suspicious, suddenly stands up and touches my forehead very quickly.
I don't have time to respond because from any angle, Yolina is stronger than me. When her two fingers touch my forehead, I feel a cold sensation, and my body can't move.
'Zefattin Bloodline ability.'
The Zefattin family is a fairly strong knight family. But there is a small part of the descendants who grow talents as sorcerers who have abilities related to the soul.
My mother, Eilif, is one of them. Her talents and traits can be said to be quite strong, so they are inherited by her two children.
After a few seconds, Yolina steps away from me.
"Y-You!! Your soul!!"
I have a bad feeling about this.
'Good Lord!'
...
...
...
Power level, maybe?
--- Ordinary Human
1-10 (Common)
--- Academy Entrance Boundary
11-20 (Ordinary Warrior)
21-30 (Skilled Warrior)
--- Heroes Department Boundary
31-50 (Elite Warrior)
51-70 (Champion)
71-100 (Elite Champion)
101-130 (Novice Hero)
--- Professional Hero Boundary
131-160 (Professional Hero)
161-200 (Elite Hero)
--- Rare Hero Boundary
201-250 (Champion Hero)
251-350 (Elite Champion Hero)
351-500 (Legendary Hero)